Membership Information
A Letter from the President Thank you for your interest in the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC). Membership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce will bring you into a business community of over 700 businesses located in and around the city of Vaughan and York Region. As a member, you will benefit with numerous cost savings programs that offer essential services & programs at a reduced rate. There is a wide variety of networking, signature, social and instructional events, where you can get connected to potential clients and business relationships. There are also numerous sponsorship, promotional and advertising opportunities to raise your brand and company profile. Our members are letting us know that their Membership Matters our renewal rates have never been higher! We are committed to making your Membership Matter, and invite you to engage in one of our various committees or Board of Directors. You ll be at the forefront of the issues and pulse of Vaughan: one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC) is your business gateway to the Voice, Community, and Culture of Vaughan. Please give us a call if you have any questions regarding the benefits of membership. We look forward to meeting you soon! Paula A. Curtis President & CEO Vaughan Chamber of Commerce 2 vaughanchamber.ca
Table of Benefits 4 ABOUT THE VCC & HOW TO JOIN 7 SAVINGS 11 ADVERTISING & PROMOTION 15 SERVICES 17 EVENTS 19 ADVOCACY Members receive significant savings on all benefits and services! Membership Matters! Doing business in Vaughan? Join the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC) and get engaged! vaughanchamber.ca 3
About the VCC The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC) was established in 1977 to promote and advocate for the interests of businesses in the City of Vaughan. Today the VCC is a premier business association; poised to engage, serve and empower the Vaughan business community as a catalyst and resource. The Chamber provides numerous benefits and services including; networking & major events, informational seminars, savings programs, and advocacy representation at all levels of government on current issues and economic inclusion. Our Vision To be the premier business association in Vaughan and first choice for membership. Our Mission Our board, employees and members are committed to work together; to serve, strengthen and foster business relationships. 4 vaughanchamber.ca Our Commitment Voice Community Culture The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC) serves three foundational pillars; Voice, Community and Culture. The Chamber is committed to being a Voice with and for businesses to address issues and develop policy with leaders, politicians and decision makers. The Chamber helps to build a strong business Community by growing relationships, connections and opportunities through its signature events and information sessions. And, the VCC celebrates Culture in Vaughan, collaborating with various groups, associations and diverse markets locally, nationally and internationally.
Volunteer Opportunities Committees We invite every member of the VCC to consider getting involved with the chamber as a Volunteer. One way is to contribute by joining one of our many committees: Business Achievement Awards (BAA) Committee Government Relations Committee Marketing/ Communications (MarCom) Committee Membership Committee Board of Directors The Nominations committee of the Board considers nominations annually. The nomination guideline suggests members serve initially on a committee prior to putting their name forward to serving on the Board. For more information contact the President & CEO at info@vaughanhamber.ca Women s Committee Ambassador Committee Most committees meet on a monthly basis. For more information on the committee mandates, please visit www.vaughanchamber.ca/committees. If you would like to speak with someone about volunteering on a Vaughan Chamber Committee please email: info@vaughanhamber.ca vaughanchamber.ca 5
About the VCC JOIN THE VCC To register your membership, or to learn more: visit us online, www.vaughanchamber.ca email, info@vaughanchamber.ca visit us in person, 25 Edilcan Drive, Unit #2, Vaughan ON, L4K 3S4 or call, 905-761-1366 Membership Fees Annual Fee Initiation HST Total 1 Year Initiation + 2 Years Annual Fee Total 2 Years HST A- Size of Business 1-5 employees $293.00 $40.00 $43.29 $376.29 $626.00 $81.38 $707.38 6-10 employees $355.00 $40.00 $51.35 $446.35 $750.00 $97.50 $847.50 11-25 employees $440.00 $50.00 $63.70 $553.70 $930.00 $120.90 $1,050.90 26-50 employees $555.00 $50.00 $78.65 $683.65 $1,160.00 $150.80 $1,310.80 51-100 employees $775.00 $100.00 $113.75 $988.75 $1,650.00 $214.50 $1,864.50 100+ employees $1,360.00 $100.00 $189.80 $1,649.80 $2,820.00 $366.60 $3,186.60 B- Charity (<$500K annual revenue) $100.00 $40.00 $18.20 $158.20 $240.00 $31.20 $271.20 C- Student $52.00 $40.00 $11.96 $103.96 $144.00 $18.72 $162.72 D- New Business (first year only) $100.00 $40.00 $18.20 $158.20 - - - Initiation fees applied to first year of membership only All dues are HST applicable. HST registration #105499065 Membership fees are tax deductible as a business expense Register for a 2-year membership and earn Chamber Cash (up to $150, can be used towards event tickets, advertising, booths/sponsorships, etc.) Membership Matters The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce runs quarterly information sessions for new & renewing members. These sessions, titled Membership Matters are designed to provide an overview of the resources and services offered by the VCC as well as offer tips and strategies for making the most of your networking events and your membership. See our online Events Calendar for the next Membership Matters session. 6 vaughanchamber.ca
Savings Ultimate Networking Card As a member of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, the Ultimate Networking Card is included in your VCC membership; giving you access to the networking events offered by the nine York Region Chambers and Board of Trade. The Ultimate Networking Card gives members access to seminars, trade shows, monthly breakfast meetings, and after-hours events; all at exclusive member prices. In York Region, there are nine local chambers & boards: Aurora Chamber of Commerce East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce Georgina Chamber of Commerce King Chamber of Commerce Markham Board of Trade Newmarket Chamber of Commerce Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Whitchurch Stouffville Chamber of Commerce Visit the York Region Chambers Events Calendar to find events hosted by the York Region Chambers & Board of Trade www.yorkregionchambers.ca For more information about the Ultimate Networking Card, call the office at 905-761-1366 or email info@vaughanchamber.ca vaughanchamber.ca 7
Savings VCC Alliance Member Programs Membership in the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce offers you many exclusive programs, incredible benefits and savings that boost your bottom line. By using these VCC Alliance Member Programs, you not only take advantage of incredible savings but you also generate a residual revenue stream from the Member Company to the Chamber. It s a win-win! Hiring Solutions for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses HIRinc s unique hiring system attracts and screens job applicants to your criteria. Our clients focus their time on the most qualified applicants. Our Information Technology ensures a timely efficient process of recruitment management and applicant processing, and our Selection Technology helps assure that you hire the best. Human Resources Consultants MaxPeoplePerform partners with you to provide a broad range of human resources solutions that will enhance your organization s effectiveness, address the people-related issues found in today s workplace, and provide your leaders with the necessary tools including: management training, HR documents, toolkits and much more. Leadership Consultants Whether you are a Board of Director member, Chief Executive, company President, business owner, senior executive, or an emerging leader; PEO works with you and your organization to develop and refine your growth trajectory, assess the challenges and opportunities that can impact the journey, and help enable you to arrive at your destination, on time, on budget. Rapid Transit for York Region To help support local businesses along sections of Hwy 7 corridor during the construction phase, vivanext has developed a business support program that offers tools and information for their continued success. For qualifying businesses, a free VCC Membership is offered for the duration of the construction. For more information, visit www.vaughanchamber.ca 8 vaughanchamber.ca
Savings More Chamber Member Savings Programs Take advantage of even more opportunities to save with volume savings programs included with your membership: OFFICE MAX Up to 65% exclusive savings on a wide range of products. From your daily office supplies to more customized solutions, get access to benefits specifically designed for small business. Canadian Automobile Association Corporate Discount on Membership including 24/7 CAA Roadside Assistance, discounts on auto and property insurance, no charge automotive and technical advice, memberexclusive pricing and much more. ESSO 3.5 cent per litre fuel discount off the retail posted pump price at Essobranded service stations Norbram Group Insurance Benefits Group Insurance Plans with exclusive rates for members on group insurance plans. Home, Auto, Travel and Pet Insurance Plans UPS UPS Savings Program & Get More Member Card Receive discounts on freight, Canada and worldwide shipments and imports. TD Merchant Services with First Data Great Rates on Electronic Payment Processing for Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Interac Direct Payment. For more Savings Programs, visit www.vaughanchamber.ca vaughanchamber.ca 9
Savings Two ways to benefit from M2M: Savings & Promotions! Member to Member (M2M) SAVINGS! The Member to Member SAVINGS program For members by members Whether for the business or for your personal use, savvy VCC members are able to save by doing business with M2M SAVINGS, such as: Free consultations & quotations Special Rates, Discounts and/or Upgrades Introductory Specials Discounts on products and services Whether you are looking for business or household products or services, entertainment or insurance Support LOCAL business. Did you know? Members can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of offers in the M2M Savings program. To see current offerings from your fellow VCC members visit www.vaughanchamber.ca/ member-savings M2M is a free service only to VCC members. 10 vaughanchamber.ca
Advertising & Promotion Opportunities Member to Member (M2M) PROMOTIONS! Word of mouth is the most powerful advertising available. The best way to promote your business and increase your word-of-mouth referrals is to offer a valued product/service. Leverage our distinguished network of over 700 members by posting your Member to Member (M2M) SAVINGS Coupon. Promote your special offers, upcoming events and the benefits of doing business with you. A monthly flyer is emailed to over 700 businesses promoting both new and ongoing deals. Did you know? M2M promotions is one of the most frequently visited pages on the Vaughan Chamber website. Take advantage of our web traffic. Join the growing number of companies offering exclusive M2M savings that attract chamber members into becoming loyal customers. Members can login and upload your M2M coupon at www.vaughanchamber.ca/member-savings M2M is a free service only to VCC members. vaughanchamber.ca 11
Advertising & Promotion Opportunities Monthly e-voice Newsletter The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce produces a monthly electronic newsletter, the e-voice, that reaches over 1,400 members and Chamber connections. You can purchase promotional logo space on the e-voice with a tag line that links to your website. e.voice VOICE COMMUNITY CULTURE UPCOMING EVENTS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS M2M SAVINGS Networking Speaker Sponsorship A key strategy to present your company as a thought leader, is to provide a 10-15 minute infosession at a Networking Breakfast/Afterhours on a topic that demonstrates your company s expertise. A great way to get you and your company introduced to over 50 businesses. 12 vaughanchamber.ca
VAUGHAN Audit Tax Advisory Advertising & Promotion Opportunities Community Champion Banners This is your opportunity to be represented at over 60 Vaughan Chamber events, including: Monthly Networking Events & Seminars Small Business Week Mayor s Luncheon (over 500 attendees) Business Achievement Awards (over 700 attendees) Women s Symposium (over 500 attendees) & Women Do Golf 2015 Community Champions 2015 Community Champions Signature Event Program Advertisement Advertise your business in select Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Event Programs with a quarter, half, or full page ad, which will be viewed by hundreds of attendees who are supportive of local businesses. Vendor Booth Sponsorship Having a live presence with a Vendor s booth at one of the many VCC events provides excellent value for your advertising dollars. zero2 kids DESIGNER CLOTHING & SHOES - BABY CHILDREN TWEEN Contact the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce at 905-761-1366 to discuss advertising and promotion opportunities for your business. Promote Design Print Promote Design Print vaughanchamber.ca 13
Advertising & Promotion Opportunities Member Directory The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce receives many calls from potential customers looking for referrals to reputable businesses. VCC Members are listed in our online Business Directory. As a Chamber member, your name and contact information may be given to potential clients when they are looking for business in your field. The Chamber will send you an e-mail to advise you of when your company has been referred. Find out who s who with the member directory Review your profile hits with the Referral Report Business Connect Requests email inquiry Listing in the Directory is a FREE service for all current members. To view the VCC Business Directory, visit www.vaughanchamber.ca and click on Membership then Member Directory. 14 vaughanchamber.ca
Services Boardroom Rental Attention small businesses, home-based operations and community organizations! Need a professional meeting space? The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to rent our boardroom facility. The boardroom can accommodate up to 18 boardroom style & up to 25 classroom style. Rates for Members Full Day: $150.00 + HST Half Day: $90.00 + HST Hourly: $30.00 + HST Evening: $50.00 per hour (min. 3 hours) + Security* Weekend Full Day: $410.00 + Security* Weekend Half Day: $250.00 + Security* Rates for Non-Members Full Day: $225.00 + HST Half Day: $150.00 + HST Hourly: $50.00 + HST Evening: $75.00 per hour (min. 3 hours) + Security* Weekend Full Day: $485.00 + Security* Weekend Half Day: $310.00 + Security* * For boardroom bookings made outside of regular business hours of the VCC (Monday- Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM); and after regular business hours there is a minimum charge for Security of $60 (3hrs) and $20 per hour for any additional hours booked. For more information or to book, please call 905-761-1366. vaughanchamber.ca 15
Services Document Certification The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce offers a convenient location and personal service for your export document certification. There are three authorized Commissioners of Oaths on staff who can commission your business-related documents including: Certificates of Origin for export shipments Invoices and other shipping documents Exporting vehicles overseas Packing slips Business Visa requests We offer ONLINE Document Certification Services. To set up your account for online document certification services, please email info@vaughanchamber.ca or call 905-761-1366. OR Visit the VCC at 25 Edilcan Drive, Unit #2 from 8:30am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday. While walkins are welcome, it is recommended that you call 905-761-1366 to confirm that a Commissioner of Oaths is available for document certification. 16 vaughanchamber.ca
Events Where Business Happens The VCC is your place to connect with business leaders across the city and beyond. From After- Hours Networking Events to the Annual Mayor s Luncheon, your attendance will keep you updated and engaged with the Vaughan business community. VCC Events Calendar The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of community events that will keep you connected with the Vaughan Community including Breakfast & After Hours Networking. For more information on events ranging from galas and grand openings to business seminars, fundraisers and workshops, visit www.vaughanchamber.ca/events. VCC COMMUNITY CALENDAR If you would like to promote your event on the VCC website, please e-mail your flyer in PDF format to info@vaughanchamber.ca and it will be listed in the Community Events Calendar. Please allow 72 hours for posting. Other Business Events Calendars York Region Chambers Events Calendar: to view a listing of all events hosted by the nine York Region Chambers & Board of Trade visit www.yorkregionchambers.ca VBEC Event Calendar: www.vaughan.ca/vbec YRBiz Event Calendar: www.yrbizseries.ca vaughanchamber.ca 17
Events Where Business Happens Signature Events Some of the City s most exciting annual business events are the Vaughan Chamber s Signature Events: Annual Mayor s Luncheon kicks off each calendar year as a key event for business owners to hear central strategies by the Mayor of Vaughan in addition to a state of the city address. Keep abreast of the key issues and initiatives, meet with council members and business leaders to be apprised of the various future initiatives of the City. Business Achievement Awards Dinner (BAA s) is recognized as the premier business event in Vaughan that celebrates and recognizes business excellence. The annual event draws over 700 attendees who enjoy excellent networking and entrée to who is new and who is excelling in the market place. Categories such as: Small Business Non-Profit / Charity Consumer Business / Retail Construction Services & Product Environmental Leadership Hospitality Manufacturing Professional Service Accessibility Innovation in Production or Technological Advancement Young Entrepreneur under 40 Women to Women s Symposium is designed to Inspire, Empower and Connect. This is Vaughan s largest attended event for business women that attracts hundreds of entrepreneurs, corporations, not for profits and members of council who enjoy an event designed just for them. With over 50 Vendors offering products and services in addition to keynote speakers such as Arlene Dickinson and Amanda Lang, the over 500 attendees have reported they are inspired, empowered and connected. 18 vaughanchamber.ca
Advocacy Your membership goes further with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce by providing an extended reach and voice with municipal, provincial and national chamber partners: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE The Government Relations committee is the voice of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC) regarding government related issues and policies. When appropriate issues arise; the VCC advocates on behalf of the membership, in support of Vaughan businesses. The committee provides members with a forum for members to advance concerns, develop policy positions, advocate for change and network with government officials and other business leaders. City of Vaughan The VCC works closely with the City of Vaughan to ensure the voice of business is heard. Members are encouraged to take advantage of the support services provided by Vaughan s Economic Development Department and the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre. Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of The Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Together with other chambers across Ontario, the voice of business is amplified to advocate for probusiness policies and defend business priorities at Queen s Park. Our membership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, allows access to OCC s extensive resource library as well as Rapid Policy Updates, keeping our members informed of provincial policies that may affect local business. Group savings programs are also passed on to members. Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, opening the door to a wealth of information on federal legislation and business initiatives, as well as influence policy and decisionmaking to the benefit of all Canadians. Group savings programs are also passed on to members. For more information, visit our website www.vaughanchamber.ca/advocacy or LinkedIn Vaughan Chamber. vaughanchamber.ca 19
Be Engaged with the VCC N 400 HWY 7 407 Jane St. Edilcan Dr. Langstaff Rd. 25 Edilcan Drive, Unit #2, Vaughan ON, L4K 3S4 vaughanchamber.ca Info@vaughanchamber.ca T: 905-761-1366 F: 905-761-1918 Office Hours: Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Office Closures: All stat holidays, and during the week between Christmas and New Year s. Summer Hours: During July and August the office closes at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.